City of 10,000 Buddhas turns to solar energy to power campus

New solar installation expected to save campus $6 million over 25 years

The City of 10,000 Buddhas in Ukiah ushered in a new era Saturday, unveiling a solar project it hopes will save $6 million in energy costs over 25 years.

Enphase Energy Inc., North State Solar and SolarWorld partnered in the project, and joined the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association/CTTB, Mendocino County Supervisor Carre Brown and county CEO Carmel Angelo in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Area community members were also invited to partake in the celebration that included a beginning and ending chant for dedication. Tours were also available for the fenced-in solar field and CTTB campus.

The nearly three-year project boasts a 500 kW solar photovoltaic system with at least 1,800 ground-mounted solar panels with Enphase’s microinverters that are expected to eliminate 14,000 tons of global-warming emissions from the environment during the 25-year life of the panels.

The site was also designed to provide for future expansion as necessary.

Representatives from the three energy companies Saturday also touted the equipment as being made in America.

“All of the materials are made in America,” said Hans Stullken, vice president of business development for North State Solar Energy. “We’ve set this system up to grow with this campus.”

Amy Chang-Chien, from the CTTB, said an overall campus strategic energy plan was conducted three years ago, prior to the decision to move forward with the solar project. The strategic plan enabled the CTTB to look at all of the renewable sources available on site to give campus staff an idea of how the CTTB could become more energy efficient, she said.

A pilot project for solar was conducted by the CTTB five years ago in which 50 kW of solar power was used. Staff said that project opened the door to the larger system that was unveiled Saturday.